Heritage District letter prompts more questions than answers

April 2, 2014 · 0 Comments

(Re: Resident surprised at “fear mongering” over Heritage District Plan, March 20)

Graham Wride’s letter to the editor poses questions but provides no answers.
It is heavy on criticism and light on facts and logic. It supports neighborhood heritage designation without arguing the merits.
Opponents with delegate status before Council are accused of “fear mongering”, “misinformation” and “outright untruths.”
He is confident when residents understand the merits they will “embrace the concept.”
Mr. Wride does not choose to articulate the benefits as he understands them.
The material advantage of surrendering one’s property rights to the authority of bureaucracy remains elusive, despite Mr. Wride’s best efforts.
Mr. Bray, the consultant, had reported to Council, a “significant minority” are opposed to the concept. That was before the other side of the coin was known.
The opponents decided, as is their right, to exert their privilege to be heard and suggested to Council that opposition to the concept is considerably more substantial than the consultant has understood.
On March 4, Mr. Bray informed Council there are 31 designated heritage neighborhoods in Ontario; one already in Aurora and a second proposed.
There are 444 municipalities in Ontario.
Numbers do not suggest either overwhelming support for the concept nor a common understanding of the benefits.

Concerned Citizens Southeast Quadrant
Aurora